This past week in the world of comic books has been a whirlwind of excitement, reflecting not only in the major publishers' latest releases but also through globally celebrated comic conventions packed with fans and famous creators. DC’s Absolute Universe has just celebrated its one-year anniversary in record-shattering style, setting shops ablaze as collectors scramble for hot new books. The October milestone dropped seven must-own releases in 31 days, among them Absolute Evil #1, a mega-crossover uniting villains like Ra’s al Ghul and Joker forming a new Legion of Doom, and the pivotal Absolute Batman 2025 Annual #1, which revisited Batman’s origins and the legend of the Batmobile. The launch of Absolute Catwoman #1 gave Selina Kyle a high-profile new start, while Tom Taylor’s Absolute Superman #9 pitted Clark Kent against a fresh wave of foes.

Retailers are reporting some of the biggest print runs in years, with issues like Absolute Evil #1 and the Batman Annual each expected to clear 200,000 copies shipped. The buzz is palpable: DC’s Absolute books are outselling Marvel’s Ultimate Universe by more than 40 percent this month. Variant and foil covers are the collector frenzy, and the consensus is clear—October 2025 is DC’s moment. While DC soars, Marvel made headlines as well. The much-anticipated Deadpool/Batman crossover is already hitting a third printing, underscoring relentless demand for this mashup. This limited series features fresh variant covers from comic industry all-stars Adam Kubert, Russell Dauterman, and Esad Ribic. Wonder Woman and Batman also scored second printings for their most recent issues, with special foil variants adding to the flavor.

Outside the Big Two, indie publishers brought their own flare this week. Vault rolled out Barbaric: The Black Knight #1, an over-length one-shot featuring the beloved antihero Flail and the return of fan-favorite characters Deadheart, Serra, and Ka, promising shocking twists and irreversible consequences. Post Malone’s Big Rig series concluded its first arc in a double-length finale, while cult titles like Event Horizon and Invincible Universe: Battle Beast rapidly sold out, prompting additional printings.

Comic book culture thrived in real life as well, with MCM London Comic Con returning to EXCEL London and drawing thousands of fans. Star-studded panels featured Joseph Quinn, Jon Bernthal, and Karl Urban, offering autographs, photo ops, and cosplay competitions that filled social media with vibrant images. On the American side, the Cincinnati Comic Expo spotlighted Superman in celebration of the new film, filling the Sharonville Convention Center with costumed attendees and industry veterans. Meanwhile, New Jersey’s DerpyCon and California’s Lodi Comic Con welcomed fans with gaming, artist alleys, and family-friendly programming.

As new issues of Miles Morales: Spider-Man and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Halloween Special hit store shelves, and with new Doctor Aphra comics arriving the week of October 29, 2025, it’s clear comic books are enjoying a renaissance this Halloween season. From Batman’s myth-building and Catwoman’s bold debut to power-packed conventions on both sides of the Atlantic, superheroes, villains, and passionate fans are all driving a week that shows just how strong and fun comics culture remains.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI